Please Stop the Hazzard County Squirrel Slam

The Holley Fire Department is located in the Village of Holley, in eastern Orleans County, NY, it has been brought to the attention of animal advocates, this is their tradition of the "hunting" of squirrels. The website www.holleyfire.com has recently posted on their website an event that calls for people to register in the adult and the youth category of the event. It is a sadistic form of entertainment that is sponsored by the Holley Fire Department. Although it is stated that this event follows all the hunting Rules by the state of the New York, it does not mean that just because it is legal, that it is morally right.

The Holley Fire Department is said to follow federal, state and local standards, and yet it is unreal that they promote such act of violence in the hands of young people or that the whole state of New York finds this event as something that represents their culture and beliefs. Just this past December 24, the nation saw the fatal shooting of two firemen in western New York, yet the Holley Fire Department has no respect for those that lost their lives, and continues patronizing this senseless massacre for what they call a "tradition."

The website states that "by the incorporation of technological advancements in equipment and by advancing the educational level and training of [their] members, the Department will continually strive to improve the standard of fire service. It is time that the education of the firefighters includes teaching empathy for all living creatures. Non-human and human animals are sentient beings and do not deserve the tragic death of being shot.

We would like to ask the Mayor John W. Kenney, Jr to please stop the Holley Fire Department 7th Annual Hazzard County Squirrel Slam.

The following is the Firefighter oath

I __________________ do solemnly swear to do my duty as a Firefighter for the City of _______ to the best of my ability; to serve my commanding officers with respect and dignity; to serve the citizens of the City of ________ with compassion, courage and integrity; and to uphold the laws and constitutions of the United States of America, the State of ________, and the City of _______; so help me God.

Please Village of Holley live up towards the oath volunteers and members make: Compassion, courage and integrity.

The link to the Facebook created by animal advocates to keep people informed about the situation is: Stop the 7th Annual "Hazzard County" Holley New York Squirrel Hunt click here and Like

About Hand4Paws:

Their mission brings attention to the suffering of animals. Their principle is to help end their torment and promote,with emphasis, at risk companion animals. Reaching a broader audience through social media is their way of advocating for animals.

Pic obtained from http://blogs.roanoke.com from another youth squirrel hunt event. Not actual picture from the town of Holley